12:38pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Clare Hardy
CATHOLICS in Loughton are preparing to take part in an historic visit by the Pope.
Members of St Edmund of Canterbury church in Loughton will be attending two main events of the state visit, which takes place this month.
Church priest Father John Harvey said anticipation of the visit, which is the first from the head of the Catholic Church since 1982, had been growing since it was announced last year.
“I think it's wonderful for the Roman Catholic community,” he said. “People are looking forward to it very much.”
About 90 members of the Traps Hill church will attend a prayer vigil in Hyde Park on September 18.
The following day, 10 people from the congregation will attend a service to begin the process of making Cardinal John Henry Newman a saint, which is known as beatification.
Cardinal Newman, a former Anglican vicar who converted in 1845, is credited with creating a greater understanding of the Catholic Church.
Father Harvey said this part of the visit was very important to Catholics.
“The fact that the beatification is taking place while (the Pope) is here is really historic, because Cardinal John Henry Newman is one of the greatest Catholic converts in our land.”
The Pope, Benedict XVI, will visit the country as head of state for the Vatican city as well as the Church and Father Harvey said this would mark this year's event out from the one in 1982.
"I remember that from the day Pope John Paul II arrived, the sun shone and didn't stop shining," he said. "There was a huge mass in Wembley Stadium and thousands of people attended."
He said that he did not think the present Pope was any less popular than the last one.
"Personally, I think any spiritual leader of a church would capture the imagination, especialy if they're going to come to your country," he added. "I think it's a great honour, regardless of whether you're a Catholic or not."
The Pope's visit will include meetings with the Queen, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and Prime Minister David Cameron.
Father Harvey said that even members of his congregation who were not attending the events in Hyde Park and Birmingham would be following the visit.
“Every family will get a booklet with all the events, so even if they can't be present, they can follow it on TV,” he added. “I think even if people can't be there, they will very excitedly watch it.
“I am looking forward to it very much and I have been preaching about it, so the community is well aware.”
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